A Christmas Story Program

"We

Thank you GCPA!

~The Hobin Family

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didn't think we were making memories, we just knew we were having fun"Winnie the Pooh.

Brea h shine up on that stage! Love, The Cropper Family

Welcome to our 2022-2023 Season! We’ve got a lot of big things planned and can’t wait to share these stories with you

We are elated to be performing both of our Main Stage productions at the beautiful Kirkwood Performing Arts Center! The space itself is beautiful and allows us to increase the quality of our productions, heighten the experience for the audience and welcome more people to see the amazing young storytellers at GCPA. The KPAC staff creates such a welcoming and collaborative environment We couldn’t be happier to be here

Our Main Stage season is an homage to epic movies turned musical. A Christmas Story opens our season with a bang This heartwarming and well loved story comes to life through the amazing music of Pasek and Paul, full of all the same antics you’ve watched a million times on Turner Classic Movies. With music by the incomparable Dolly Parton, our Spring musical, 9 to 5, is sure to make you smile We are ecstatic to be producing a musical featuring so many strong female leads, as well as bringing back On the Fly Productions to “fly” our Franklin Hart

It’s a groundbreaking summer for GCPA with opportunities for students of all ages! Starting off the season, we are offering 3 sessions of our most-popular, registration based camp for ages 611, as well as a similar camp for ages 11 - 14! Willy Wonka KIDS and JR respectively. This family favorite story of Charlie exploring the famous Chocolate Factory will come to life with 4 different casts - all put together in a whirlwind 2 week camp With no audition required to register, this is the perfect opportunity for younger and newer performers.

We are still producing an audition based middle school camp, open to ages 11 - 15 Newsies JR is a surefire hit straight from Broadway. This unique experience allows the cast to spend time in class honing their skills in tandem with rehearsing and performing a full scale musical

Finally, we close our season with bare: A Pop Opera. Since our very first summer high school production, GCPA has never shied away from creating a safe space to tell difficult stories, and this year is no different bare is an important story (with a massive cult following) about the struggles high school students face every day across America. Set in a Catholic boarding school, we see students wrestling with becoming adults and being accepted by peers and leaders This show is open to actors age 14 - 20 and comes with significant content warnings that should be considered for young audience members..

As part of our mission to create strong actors with healthy practices, this production will include both a Trauma Therapist and Intimacy Coordinator. These positions are now industry standards and they teach young actors how to approach material and staging of difficult material in a safe way - the same way we do with our approach to technique, lifts, stage fighting and everything associated with performing. As many of our older actors are moving into collegiate, professional or adult theatre, implementing these processes are giving them the tools, vocabulary and empowerment to speak up for themselves and require safe and successful working spacesboth in the theatre and out.

Finally, we are ecstatic to be headlining for the St Louis Fringe Festival with this production! This is a massive honor and will provide exposure and notoriety for the high quality production GCPA produces and the incredible casts, crews and creative teams that craft them This is a wonderful community opportunity, and we hope you will join us for both our production of bare and all the other great performances at the Fringe.

If you like what you see, please consider joining us on our mission to provide quality, challenging, and out-of-the-box theatre for STL youth See our shows, take our classes, spread the word, volunteer, or donate We’d love your story with GCPA to begin today

Today you will see the wonderful show A Christmas Story: The Musical. This show is set in Hohman, Indiana during the 1940s as the town is preparing for the holiday season The story follows Ralphie Parker and his mission to get the ultimate Christmas present: an official Red Ryder Range Model Carbine Action BB Gun. He is faced with a major obstacle - as everyone dismisses him with, “You’ll shoot your eye out," Ralphie has to convince everyone from his family to his teacher Miss Shields to even Santa himself that he needs that gun as his gift

For those that have seen the original 1983 movie, we have worked hard to preserve the nostalgia and feel of this Christmas classic The iconic tight snowsuit, stuck tongue and iconic phrase “You’ll shoot your eye out” are hilariously retold on the GCPA stage.

A Christmas Story is a 1940s period show. Through the rehearsal process we have talked with the cast about what that time period was like This 21st century cast had fun exploring the toys, commercials, hand gestures and sayings that were popular so long ago. Thank you Grace Cooperstein for our amazing lesson in 1940s dramaturg

A Christmas Story explores the m From “What A Mother Does” to the will see and feel the bond through have been working behind the tabl our cast formed. We came togethe through the creative process we be very proud of everyone that has be outstanding cast. During the busy and often stress reminder of the love, wonder and sp

Scenes & Songs

1940s. Hohman, Indiana, Holiday Season

Prologue - Christmas Eve, Radio Station WOR, New York City

Scene 1 - December 1st, 1940, The Parker House & Higbee's Department Store

Setting: IT ALL COMES DOWN TO CHRISTMAS...................................................Ralphie, Randy, Mother, Old Man & Company Scene 2 - The Next Day, The Parker House & Yard THE GENIUS ON CLEVELAND STREET..............................................Old Man & Mother

RED RYDER CARBINE ACTION BB GUN Ralphie IT ALL COMES DOWN TO CHRISTMAS (Reprise) Ralphie & Company

Scene 4 - A Few Minutes Later, The Classroom RALPHIE TO THE RESCUE!...............................................................Ralphie, Miss Shields, Old Man, Mother, Randy & Ensemble A MAJOR AWARD................................................................................Old Man & Ensemble

Act 1 Scene 3 - Soon After, A Path From School WHEN YOU'RE A WIMP.............................................................................................................Kids Scene 5 - A Week Later, The Parker House WHAT A MOTHER DOES...................................................................................................Mother Scene 6 - Early Evening, December 13th, The Parker House Scene 8 - Late That Night, The Parker House ACT ONE FINALE..............................Ralphie, Old Man, Mother, Randy & Company

Scenes & Songs

Scene 1 - The Schoolyard & Classroom STICKY SITUATION Ralphie, Flick, Schwartz, Kids & Ensemble Scene 2 - Fantasy 1930s Speakeasy Scene 3 - Immediately Following, A Path From School Scene 4 - A Few Minutes Later, The Parker House JUST LIKE THAT.......................................................................................................................Mother Scene 5 - Christmas Eve, Santa’s Station at Higbee’s AT HIGBEE'S Elves & Ensemble Scene 6 - Christmas Eve, The Parker House Scene 7 - Later, The Boy’s Bedroom SOMEWHERE HOVERING OVER INDIANA..........................Ralphie, Randy & Kids Scene 8 - Christmas Morning, The Parker House & A Chinese Restaurant In Town CHRISTMAS MORNING......................................................................Kids, Ralphie, & Randy

TO THE NIGHTCLUB......................................................................................Dill, Farkus & Girls YOU'LL SHOOT YOUR EYE OUT! Miss Shields, Kids & Others RALPHIE TO THE RESCUE! (Reprise) Ralphie & Ensemble

RED RIDER (Reprise) Ralphie UP ON SANTA'S LAP Santa, Elves, Ralphie, Randy, Kids, & Ensemble BEFORE THE OLD MAN COMES HOME Ralphie, Randy, Mother, & The Old Man

Who's Who

Coco Bland Damian Boric

Roman Boric

Gracie Cropper

Ciara Cange

Ally Davies Greta Donnelly

Millie Eidelman

Vivian French Jack Estopare

Priya Gangasingh

Carter Gerlemann

Tilly Goldkamp

Ted Herrell

Audrey Guckes

Aden Hicks

Michael Hobin

Collin Larson

Aurora Lindsey

Anna Lawrence

Truett

Marks

Emerson Mattia

Jack Maverick

Nick Montgomery

Lindsey Moore

Abbey Paul

Echo Pentz

Shelby Peters

Adeline Perry

Ally Pierce

Brodie Pratt

Henry Riggan

Will Schulte

Kate Schuler

Audrey Schulz

Brooke Susic Brynley Wall

Asher Woodward

Reese Warticovschi

Aaron Youngman

Who's Who

Youth Creative Team

Band

Sophia Bellm

Grace Cooperstein

Sophia Creach

Lily Griner

Drue Gerken

Ro Hahn

Finni Preston

Brynley Wall

Elaine Thimyan

Tim Clark

John Gerdes

Alex Macke

Peter Gunn

Evan Palmer

Larry Pry

Brandon Thompson J.D. Tolman

Aud! You're Full of Beans and so's Your Old Man! Love, Mom and Hank (and Dad too)

Who's Who

Coco Bland (Mary Beth), a 7th grader at John Burroughs School, is excited to be in A Christmas Story! Her last production was Mary Poppins at The Muny, and she has been a part of many GCPA productions including Annie, Frozen KIDS, and Anne of Green Gables. Other shows include Xanadu, Thoroughly Modern Millie, and Legally Blonde (Kirkwood Youth Theater), Peter Pan, Beauty and the Beast and Guys and Dolls (Ignite Theatre). When Coco isn't auditioning or rehearsing, she can be found playing field hockey, dancing, perfecting her craft, and entertaining her golden doodles, Sherman and Moose. A special thanks to Paul, Lori, and Stephanie for this holiday show opportunity!

Damian Boric (Ensemble, u/s Jean Shepherd & Santa) (he/him) is thrilled to be a part of the cast of A Christmas Story, his 3rd GCPA production! And with his little brother, no less! Previous GCPA roles include Oliver Warbucks in Annie and Brother Jeremiah in Something Rotten! Some of his other favorite roles include Uncle Fester in The Addams Family (Clayton High School), Vernon Hines in The Pajama Game (Visitation Academy), and Mr Banks in Blue Stockings (Visitation Academy) Many thanks to friends, family, and the GCPA cast & crew! Enjoy the show!

Roman Boric (Randy) (he/him) is thrilled to be a part of A Christmas Story, his first Main Stage GCPA show! This is the 2nd show he’s ever been a part of, his first show being A Year with Frog and Toad KIDS at GCPA, where he played Sloopy Snail! "Many thanks to friends, family, and the cast and crew of A Christmas Story, and a special thanks to my big brother Damian, who helped me get in the show and is right alongside me!"

Ciara Cange (Ensemble) is ecstatic to be part of A Christmas Story! Ciara’s hobbies include playing tag with her new puppy Finn, belting out show tunes in unsuspecting moments, putting on basement productions with her little brother Keenan, basketball at Kutis, soccer at MQP, piano with Kylie Kozel, Irish Dancing at Clark Academy, and Irish Voice and Irish Flute with Eimear Arkins! Ciara is in sixth grade, and middle school is “so far, so good.” Credits include: Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Children’s Choir, MUNY), Frozen KIDS (Elsa, GCPA), and Peter Pan Jr (Lost Boy, GCPA)

Gracie Cropper (Ensemble, u/s Randy) is a 6th grader at St Gerard Majella and is so excited to be a part of A Christmas Story! Recent roles include Molly in Annie (GCPA), Anna in Frozen KIDS (GCPA), Ensemble in The Lightening Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical (Shooting Star Productions) and Ensemble in Footloose Youth Edition (GCPA) Gracie loves spending time with family and friends, as well as playing tennis Gracie wants to thank her family and friends for their constant support. Many thanks to the awesome GCPA team, cast and crew for giving Gracie this opportunity and making this show possible! .

Ally Davies (Ensemble) is thrilled to be joining the GCPA A Christmas Story company! She has had some wonderful experiences in theatre, her favourite being Frog in GCPA's A Year With Frog and Toad KIDS Ally loves acting, singing, dancing, gymnastics, and is so excited to be able to share some of her passions on stage!

Greta Donnelly (Miss Shields) (she/her) is extremely excited to perform in her third GCPA production, A Christmas Story! Previous performance credits include Cumie Barrow in Bonnie & Clyde (GCPA), Judas/John the Baptist in Godspell (Villa Duchesne), Little Red in Into the Woods (Villa Duchesne), Ensemble in 42nd Street (GCPA), and a cast member of Arch City Kids Theater Troupe She would like to thank her castmates, directors, friends, family, dog and surplus of cats for their overwhelming love and support Enjoy!

Millie Eidelman (Ensemble) (she/her) is excited to be joining the cast of A Christmas Story for her first GCPA Main Stage production! Past performances include: Show Starters (GCPA), The Lightning Thief (Shooting Star Productions), A Year With Frog and Toad KIDS (GCPA), Willy Wonka Jr. (JCC Youth Theater), Frozen KIDS (GCPA), I Now Pronounce (New Jewish Theatre) and Annie (Stray Dog Theater). When she’s not performing, she enjoys playing basketball, soccer, reading, and playing Animal Crossing and foosball with her brother. Special thanks to Paul, Lori, Stephanie and the GCPA family for this opportunity!

Who's Who

Jack Estopare (Flick), an 8th grader, is excited to be a part of A Christmas Story at GCPA Credits include: Michael Banks in Mary Poppins (Missouri Baptist), Mary Poppins (MUNY), Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (MUNY), Matilda (GCPA), and others Jack also performed in the Muny Kids Touring Troupe this past summer. He takes voice with Lisa Fahey and dances at DEDC He would like to thank GCPA for all the opportunities they have given him and hope you enjoy the show! @jack.estopare

Vivian French (Ensemble) is excited to be performing for GCPA again after her first performance as Elsa in Frozen KIDS Her other roles include Flounder in The Little Mermaid and Cruella DeVil in 101 Dalmatians. This past summer she performed Ensemble roles in Cinderella, Shrek the Musical and Disney's Descendants The Musical. In addition to musical theatre, Vivian enjoys playing piano, volleyball and softball

Priya Gangasingh (Ensemble, u/s Miss Shields) is currently in 11th grade at Kirkwood High School Some of Priya’s favorite performances include Matron Mama Morton in Chicago at Kirkwood High School, Giuseppe Zangara in Assassins at Stages Performing Arts Academy, Mother Abbess in The Sound of Music at Stages Performing Arts Academy, and being a member of the Acappellooza Barbership Choir in 2019 and 2022, under the direction of Debbie Cleveland & Dr Jim Henry. Priya is so excited to be making her GCPA debut & she would like to thank everyone involved with the production of A Christmas Story!

Carter Gerlemann (Ensemble) (he/him), an 8th grader, is excited to be a part of A Christmas Story, his first show at GCPA! Credits include: Ugly in Honk Jr., Franz in Sound of Music, Jack in Matilda Jr, Mr Northbrook in Mary Poppins Jr, King Beast in Descendants Jr., all at Stages Performing Arts Academy. When Carter is not on the stage he is usually on the baseball field or on the Pickleball courts "Special thanks to my mom and my dog Ollie."

Tilly Goldkamp (Ensemble, u/s Mary Beth & Esther Jane) (she/her), a sixth grader, is ecstatic to be part of A Christmas Story! Credits include: Toad in A Year with Frog and Toad KIDS (GCPA), Villager/Gate Monster in Moana Jr (Kirkwood Youth Theatre), Greek Chorus in Xanadu Jr (Kirkwood Youth Theatre) and Kristoff in Frozen KIDS (GCPA). Tilly has studied voice and musical theatre with various teachers She would like to thank all of her friends and family for their ongoing support!

Audrey Guckes (Ensemble) (she/her) is a sophomore. She has been in four other productions this year including War of the Worlds: 1938 Radio Script (Ensemble), Blithe Spirit (Ruth), Sideshow (The Bearded Lady & Young Violet), and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (not at the Muny!) (Youth Choir) This is her first production with GCPA, and she is excited to work with all of the wonderful cast and crew members who have made this production possible. Audrey would like to thank her family and friends for supporting her throughout this production!

Ted Herrell (Male Elf, u/s Old Man) (he/him) is a senior in high school, and this will be his fourth show with GCPA. A few of Ted’s previous roles include Bud/Cop in Bonnie & Clyde (GCPA) and Jacey Squires in The Music Man (Parkway Central High School) Ted loves music and is a member of his school’s Vocal Jazz Ensemble and choir. In addition to being onstage, Ted enjoys technical theatre and other visual arts

Aden Hicks (Old Man) (he/him) is so excited to bring A Christmas Story to the GCPA stage! Some favorite previous credits include Buck Barrow in GCPA’s Bonnie & Clyde and Ralphie Parker in YPT’s 2016 production of A Christmas Story! Aden is so excited to revisit this show through a new lens, and thanks Paul, Lori, and Stephanie for giving him this opportunity! Much love to his Mom, Dad, siblings, and dogs for their support in everything he pursues!

Michael Hobin (Ralphie) (he/him) is thrilled to be a part of A Christmas Story! A few of his recent productions include Carlos in Descendants the Musical (Stages), Jeter in Footloose Youth Edition (GCPA), Young Luke in Percy Jackson’s Lightning Thief (Shooting Star Productions), Bruce in

Matilda Jr. (Stages), Olaf in Frozen Jr. (GCPA), and Fr O’Hara in Sister Act Jr (Kirkwood Youth Theater) Michael is also a proud member of GCPA’s Show Starters. Michael thanks everyone who supports his passion for theatre "To the cast, break a leg! To the audience, I triple dog dare you to enjoy the show!"

Collin Larson (Grover Dill) is thrilled to join another GCPA production and be part of A Christmas Story He has “put the ‘go’ in escargot” as a Snail in A Year with Frog and Toad KIDS, rocked out in the 80s Rock Band in Xanadu Jr, and broke Princess Anna’s heart as Hans in Frozen Jr. Collin is in 6th grade and enjoys playing soccer and video games when not on stage He would like to thank GCPA for helping him to discover the wonderful world of live theater Special thanks to Paul Cereghino for all the voice lessons.

Anna Lawrence (Ensemble) (she/her) is thrilled to be a part of A Christmas Story! Some of her favorite past roles include Charles Guiteau in Assassins, Amy in The Theory of Relativity, and Francis Flute in Something Rotten! Anna studies voice with Colin Healy and dances at GCPA and COCA She would like to thank her family, friends, and the creative team at GCPA for all their love and support, and hopes you enjoy the show!

Aurora Lindsey (Ensemble) (she/her) is beyond grateful to be joining GCPA this year! This is her first show with them and she is excited to see how it all turns out! Aurora is a senior and has recently moved to St. Louis all the way from Austin, Texas. She has performed many roles such as Ms. Corry (Mary Poppins), Fiona (Shrek the Musical), Belle (Beauty and the Beast) and many more. She wants to give a shout out to Mama+Daddy for their love and driving expertise; Lauryn Milton, her stylish, hype girl; and to God for ALL of the amazing gifts and talents He's provided for her and this cast! Enjoy the show and please DO NOT shoot your eye out! YouTube: @Rora Instagram: @rorylnds

Truett Marks (Scut Farkus) is a 7th grader at Westminster Christian Academy Previously, Truett performed with Arch City Theater Troup in Don’t Stop Believin’ and Somethin’

About This Night, and Stages Academy in Sound of Music (Kurt), Rock of Ages (Mayor), Aladdin (Sultan), and Frozen (Ensemble) He is super excited to be with GCPA this year. When not on stage, Truett can be found on the baseball diamond Enjoy the show!

Emerson Mattia (Ensemble) (he/him) is proud to represent Maplewood Richmond Heights High School as a Freshman, and is pumped to join Ensemble in A Christmas Story. His GCPA credits include Winthrop in The Music Man and Archie in 13. He has also played an Ancestor in Addams Family young@part, Ensemble in Legally Blonde Jr., Godspell Jr. and Something Rotten! When not on the stage, Emerson enjoys singing in the St Louis Children's Choir, playing golf and tennis, and grinding on Fortnite, Rocket League, and Formula 1. Emerson thanks his friends and family for their support, and reminds everyone to take care and, "Don't shoot your eye out!"

Jack Maverick (Ensemble, u/s Schwartz/ Flick), is excited to be making his GCPA Main Stage debut in A Christmas Story, after appearing as Toad in A Year with Frog and Toad KIDS this past summer He is grateful to Shrewsbury Youth Theater for fun parts in past productions of Seussical, Alice in Wonderland Jr, Thoroughly Modern Millie Jr, and Mary Poppins Jr Offstage, Jack sings in the St. Louis Children's Choirs and fiddles with St Louis Irish Arts - when he’s not playing basketball or baseball, running track, or doing Boy Scouts with his school friends! His latest obsession is learning electric guitar from his dad He wants to thank his family and friends for supporting him in all he does

Delaney McCoy (Ensemble) (she/her), a 9th grader, is honored to be a part of this amazing cast! She was most recently seen in Bonnie & Clyde earlier this summer at GCPA (Young Bonnie). Favorite credits include: Ensemble and Lucy u/s in 13 (GCPA), Tessie in Annie (GCPA), Orphan in Annie (Muny), Hortensia and Matilda u/s in Matilda (GCPA), Ruth Begie in Anne of Green Gables (GCPA), Becky in Dear Edwina (GCPA), and Ensemble in 42nd Street (GCPA) She studies voice and dance at GCPA, is a member of her high school show choir, and on her high school dance team. She would like to thank her friends and family for their support and GCPA for this awesome experience! Enjoy the show everyone!

Nick Montgomery (Jean Shepherd) (he/him), a 12th grader, is so incredibly excited to be in A Christmas Story! Some of Nick’s past theatre credits include: Horton in Seussical, Rolf in Sound Of Music, and William Barfèe in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee Nick is so incredibly thankful for this experience, and greatly appreciates all the hard work everyone has put in to make this a great show He hopes you enjoy the show and have a great time

Lindsey Moore (Ensemble) is thrilled to be making her GCPA debut! Lindsey has performed as a Triple Threat with Stages Performing Arts Academy, St. Dominic High School, Grace Beyond Gravity, O'Fallon Theatre Works, and Assumption Youth Ministry Favorite performances include Anastasia, Be More Chill, and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Special thanks to Lisa Fahey, and the GCPA team!

Abbey Paul (Mother) (she/her) is thrilled to be returning to GCPA for A Christmas Story! She is a current senior in high school and studies acting and dance at GCPA and voice with Catherine Kopff Past shows include Something Rotten!, Amélie, and 42nd Street. Abbey thanks the creative team, cast, and her family for making this all possible!

Echo Pentz (Ensemble) (they/them) is going into 7th grade. They enjoy taking Improv and Voice and have performed with GCPA in Footloose Youth Edition (Travis), Frozen KIDS (Hans), Dear Edwina Jr (Lorena), The Big One-Oh (Johnny), Peter Pan Jr. (Tiger Lilly), Jungle Book KIDS, and Annie KIDS, and with Shrewsbury in Willy Wonka Jr (Oompa Loompa) and Lion King Jr Their favorite shows are Godspell Jr. (Soloist), and Crew for Annie, 13 and Something Rotten. They enjoy cosplay, drawing, reading, video games, anime and YouTube They study voice with Kristianna Pirrie Dilworth. “Thanks to GCPA and enjoy the show!

Adeline Perry (Ensemble) (she/her), age 12, is thrilled to be a part of her 4th GCPA production, A Christmas Story! Previous credits include, Cowgirl Chet in Footloose Youth Edition (GCPA), Euterpe in Xanadu (KYT), Mal in Descendants (KYT), Elsa in Frozen KIDS (GCPA), Annie The Girl Scout in Dear Edwina (GCPA), and Ensemble in Thoroughly Modern Millie Jr. Adeline is an active member of GCPA’s Show Starters,

and she studies voice with Kristianna Dilworth and dance with Laura Roth She is so thankful for the new experience with her directors and friends in the cast.

Shelby Peters (Ensemble, u/s Mother) (she/her) is super excited to be a part of A Christmas Story! Credits include: Mrs Pugh & u/s Hannigan in Annie (GCPA) and Sophie in Mamma Mia! (Central Community High School). She is a senior and takes voice with Caitlyn Hadeler "Thanks to my family and friends for the support!"

Ally Pierce (Ensemble) (she/her), a 10th grader, is so excited to be a part of this amazing cast! Credits include Newsies (Dayspring Arts), Something Rotten! (GCPA), Annie (GCPA), Godspell Jr. (GCPA), Light the Lights (Variety Theatre), and Oklahoma (CMP) Her most recent role was Leaf Coneybear in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. She currently studies acting and dance at GCPA and voice with Lori Pagano She has been dancing since the age of three and never stopped since. Thanks to family, friends, and Stephanie, Paul, and Lori for always supporting her!

Brodie Pratt (Santa) (he/him) is very excited to be performing with GCPA again in this production of A Christmas Story He has previously been in Matilda, 42nd Street, Anne Of Green Gables, Urinetown, Amélie, Cabaret and Something Rotten at GCPA, as well as some shows with COCA and his high school. He loves theatre and can not be more thankful to all those who have supported him along the way "Have fun and enjoy the snow! I mean show!"

Henry Riggan (Schwartz) (he/him), a 7th grader, is thrilled to be in his first GCPA Main Stage show! Some of Henry’s favorite past roles include Les in Newsies (Ignite Theater Company), Cosmo Brown in Singin’ in the Rain Jr (Ignite Theatre Company), and Young Simba in The Lion King Jr. (Shrewsbury Youth Theater). This past summer, he was a member of the Muny Kids Troupe and in the Youth Ensemble for the Muny productions of Mary Poppins and Sweeny Todd. Henry would like to thank his family and friends for their support and the GCPA directors and creatives for their guidance, encouragement and the opportunity to help bring A Christmas Story to life with this outstanding cast @henry riggan

Kate Schuler (Female Elf) is thrilled to be part of A Christmas Story! Kate is an 8th grader and a member of the CrAFT program at GCPA. She has performed in shows with GCPA, Shooting Star Productions, Ignite Theatre Company and Arch City Kids Theatre Troupe Favorite roles are Cassie in 13, Star-to-Be in Annie and Ensemble in Something Rotten! She is grateful to her theatre family for their love and friendship, and for her voice teacher, Lisa Fahey, for all her kindness and support.

Will Schulte (Ensemble, u/s Ralphie) (he/him), a 7th grader at St. Peter School. is excited to make his third GCPA production appearance in A Christmas Story Favorite past credits include Ensemble in GCPA’s Annie, Eddie in GCPA’s 13, Charlie Bucket in Tillman Elementary’s Willy Wonka Jr., Michael Banks in Shrewsbury Youth Theater’s Mary Poppins Jr, and Young Shrek in Ignite Theater Company’s Shrek. Will is a member of the 22-23 GCPA Show Starters and studies voice with Katie Kopff When not researching Broadway musicals and studying their music, Will loves to play with his friends and neighbors, swim, ski, play tennis, and enjoy time with his family Will thanks his friends, family, and everyone who has supported him along the way!

Audrey Schulz (Ensemble) (she/her), is so excited to be part of this classic comedy! Past favorite GCPA roles have included Ensemble and u/s Malcolm in 13, Duffy in Annie, Chutney in Legally Blonde Jr, and Young Jane Andrews and u/s Anne in Anne of Green Gables. She was also part of the children's chorus in this summer's Muny production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Audrey performs with the GCPA Show Starters, acts at GCPA, dances at GCPA and COCA, and studies voice with Lisa Campbell Albert "Thanks to my mom for being da bomb!"

Brooke Susic (Ensemble), a 7th grader, is thrilled to be a part of A Christmas Story with GCPA! Credits include: Jojo in Seussical (LuSo Onstage), Legally Blonde Jr. (GCPA), Dear Edwina (GCPA), Oklahoma (CMP), and Wizard of Oz (CMP) She studies voice with Lisa Casciola and is in her second year with GCPA's Show Starters. Many thanks to Brooke's family, friends and to everyone involved in this production

Brynley Wall (Ensemble, Assistant Choreographer) (she/her) is in 12th grade and is ecstatic to be back at GCPA as a member of the A Christmas Story cast and youth creative team! Brynley started her performing career on The Muny stage at the age of seven Previous credits include Aladdin, Nunsense, Tarzan, Beauty and the Beast, Wizard of Oz, Little Mermaid, Gypsy, Cinderella, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Chicago, and Mary Poppins (Muny), 42nd Street, Something Rotten! (GCPA), and Muny Kids Touring Troupe for three years. She studies voice with Katie Kopff “Many thanks for supporting me in all I do!”

Reese Warticovschi (Esther Jane) (she/her), a 5th grader, is excited to be part of A Christmas Story! Credits include: Bubble Bird in A Year With Frog And Toad KIDS (GCPA), Young Fiona in Shrek (JCC), and Amy March in Little Women (JCC). She studies voice with Sarah Vlodek, and tap, jazz, and musical theatre at PDC She also enjoys singing in the school choir Reese loves GCPA and is excited to perform with them! Lots of love to her supportive friends, parents, big sisters and cast mates!

Asher Woodward (Ensemble, u/s Scut Farkus) (he/him) is excited to return for another GCPA production He is a 7th grader and is a member of the Stages Triple Threats. Credits include Brett in 13 The Musical (GCPA), George Banks in Mary Poppins Jr, Rapunzel’s Prince in Into the Woods Jr., and Trunchbull in Matilda Jr. at Stages Performing Arts Academy, and Christian Bechdel in Fun Home with Take Two Productions. Asher studies voice with Lori Pagano and dance with Lara Teeter When not on stage, Asher loves to create original animations. Thanks to Paul, Lori and Stephanie for such an amazing place to do theatre in St Louis!

Aaron Youngman (Ensemble) (he/him) is a 12th grader and is absolutely ecstatic to be in his 2nd GCPA production! Some of his favorite past roles include Count Ipolitov in Anastasia (St Dominic High School) and Frank Hamer in Bonnie & Clyde at GCPA. Aaron currently studies voice with Ron Jones and participates in many singing competitions in the midwest “Thanks to my parents, Mr. Jones, and whoever else who has helped me along the way” Follow him at @aaronissomewhere on Instagram!

CREATIVE TEAM

Paul Pagano (Director and Executive Director), a native of St Louis, received his BA in Drama from Washington University and Masters in Theatre Education from Fontbonne University As a proud member of Actors’ Equity Association since 2001, Paul has had the opportunity to work with the Guthrie Theatre, Utah Shakespeare Festival, Children’s Theatre Company, Chanhassen Dinner Theatre, Hey City Theatre, the MUNY, STAGES St. Louis, HotCity Theatre, and many others As a director and fight choreographer, in addition to 19 productions (and counting) at GCPA, credits include the MUNY, Washington University, Fontbonne University, Missouri AllState Theatre, and Kirkwood Theatre Guild. As an instructor, Paul has taught at GCPA, COCA, St Louis University High School, and STAGES Performing Arts Academy Love to wife, Lori, and kids, Xavier and Kalia!

Lori Barrett-Pagano (Music Director and Managing Director) is a Co-Founder and Managing Director of GCPA She earned her Master of Music in Vocal Performance from Washington University in St Louis She has been teaching voice for over 25 years –currently as an adjunct voice faculty at St Louis University, as well as voice and classes at GCPA. Professionally, Lori has performed with The MUNY, STAGES St Louis, Union Avenue Opera, Echo Theatre, Spotlight Theatre, MainStage Musicals and SIUE Summer Showbiz Regional credits include The Minnesota Opera, North Star Opera, Minneapolis Musical Theatre, Theatre in the Round, and The Gilbert & Sullivan Very Light Opera Company Lori is so proud of the hard work and dedication of this amazing cast. Love to her husband Paul, and her children Xavier and Kalia

Stephanie Fox (Choreographer & Artistic Director) Originally from Oklahoma, Stephanie graduated from the University of Central Oklahoma with a Bachelor of Music: Music Theatre and continued her studies independently in New York As a proud member of Actors’ Equity (Stephanie Long) she has performed regionally, on National tour and in New York In St Louis, Stephanie has taught at COCA, STAGES, and choreographed for 8 years at Chaminade College Prep along with numerous professional choreography credits. Stephanie now lives in Michigan with her two pups and husband but is grateful to

continue her work with GCPA both remotely and in person This one is dedicated to Brynley and Lily They now speak full Stephanie - but written, verbal and ZOOM.

Lawrence J Haliburton (Stage Manager) is a 24 yr old St. Louis native and is so excited to rejoin GCPA's Main Stage Season! Some might say a quadruple threat is found with Lawrence With singing, dancing, along with acting all being part of everyday life, a revisit to stage management was well overdue You can catch Lawrence teaching dance fitness at Yes Honey Studio and of course hanging around the best family in town: the GCPA fam of course!

YOUTH CREATIVE TEAM

Sophia Bellm (Assistant Director) (she/her), a 10th grader, is thrilled to be a member of the Youth Creative Team for A Christmas Story! She recently has been seen in Something Rotten!, Chicago, Annie and 42nd Street

When not on stage, she enjoys playing cello and tennis Sophia takes voice lessons from Kristianna Pirrie Dilworth and many classes at GCPA. Follow her on instagram @SophiaaBellm

Grace Cooperstein (Dramaturg) (she/her), is a sophomore and is so excited to be the with A Christmas Story Backstage crew positions: Assistant Stage Manager for Annie, Assistant Stage Manager for 42nd Street, Run Crew for Anne of Green Gables , Spot Operator for Amélie, all for GCPA, and stage Manager for The Happiness Shop (Whitfield School). When not performing or working backstage, she enjoys baking, listening to Broadway music, watching TV, and ax-throwing. Special thanks to the GCPA staff for this amazing opportunity, and to her parents for relentlessly supporting her love of musical theater.

Sophia Creach (Assistant Stage Manager) (she/her) is a sophomore at Clayton High School and is so excited to be returning to a GCPA show! She was recently part of the Ensemble for Over Due Theatre Company's production of Children of Eden and she was the assistant stage manager for GCPA's Something Rotten! Sophia would like to thank the creative team for giving her this amazing opportunity!

Drue Gerken (Costumes) (they/them) is loving their first experience on the GCPA Creative Team! Drue has worked on crew for many productions at Ignite Theater Company, and this past summer they had their first crew experience with GCPA! Drue enjoyed being onstage in Ignite Theater Company's production of Violet Thank you to this crazy cast and amazing team for a great experience!

Lily Griner (Dance Captain) (she/they) is excited to be a part of A Christmas Story She has previously appeared in GCPA’s productions of Something Rotten!, Annie, Legally Blonde Jr., 42nd Street, and many more, and has performed with Ignite, Shooting Star, and Chaminade. Lily has been dancing since she was 4, but currently studies dance, voice, and acting at GCPA Lily thanks everyone for their support!

Ro Hahn (Assistant Stage Manager) (they/she) is excited to make their Assistant Stage Manager debut Other GCPA shows they’ve been involved with include Something Rotten!, 13, and Bonnie & Clyde In their spare time they enjoy playing guitar, crocheting, and they have an addiction to Monster.

Finni Preston (Hair & Makeup) (she/they) is a sophomore and is super excited to help with of this production of A Christmas Story. This is her first time helping with hair and makeup for a show She’s been with GCPA for almost seven years and done Urinetown, Legally Blonde Jr, Annie, and many more! She takes voice lessons with Lori Pagano and dance at GCPA In her free time she likes to do art and video games.

Elaine Thimyan (Marketing Assistant) (she/they) is a senior in high school and is so excited for this show. She’s been in school productions and has recently been branching out Their top five favorite shows are The Sound of Music, Bright Star, Hadestown, She Loves Me and Hamilton.

CREW

Josie Bergman (she/her) is excited to work on crew for her third show with GCPA, having previously done Something Rotten! and Bonnie & Clyde "I really enjoy the GCPA theater group and I have made really close friends over the shows this year!"

Marcie Buescher is excited to be joining the crew for another GCPA production! She loves music, theater and being part of this creative community Enjoy the show!

Caroline "Vee" Peretz is excited to be backstage again for the fourth time with GCPA! Previously, Vee has done crew for Something Rotten!, 13, and Bonnie & Clyde. Vee also appeared onstage in Footloose Youth Edition this summer She takes voice and dance classes at GCPA. While not on or behind stage, Vee can be found reading or watching cartoons She sends love to the the cast, crew, and creative team.

Abby Rosenfeld is a junior, and she is ecstatic to be involved with A Christmas Story - her first crew experience! Past GCPA productions include Young Ruby in Anne of Green Gables, Perkins in Annie and Enid Hoops in Legally Blonde Jr. Thanks for this really cool new opportunity!

Hank Schulz is excited to join the A Christmas Story crew Hank played Kristoff in GCPA’s Frozen Jr Even though this is his first official crew position, he brings plenty of experience after years setting lights and props for his sister’s living room performances

Katie Weissman is in 6th grade at St Gerard Majella and is excited to be a part of the crew! Enjoy the show!

BAND

Joe Akers (Trumpet) Joe Akers teaches elementary music in the Mehlville School District and is also the Adjunct Instructor of Trumpet at Saint Louis University He has his own trumpet studio and teaches students throughout the St Louis area Joe has played shows with Stray Dog Theater, Fly North Theatricals and New Line Theater. When not playing or teaching, he helps raise and train service dogs for CHAMP Service Dogs with his family.

Tim Clark (Keys) has done over 80 shows (this is the 84th), either as conductor or keyboardist He has performed with the Alpha Players, Young People's Theatre, Kirkwood Theatre Guild, Overdue Theatre, GCPA, and many others He was Music Director for SPOTLIGHT from 2017-2022 He started as Music Director for the musicals at Nerinx HS in Spring of 2022 He acted as Director of Music/Organist at Church of The Master, UCC from 2011-December of 2022, as well as Organist at Holy Infant RC Church since 2017 He will start January 1st as Director of Music at First Congregational Church in Clayton.

John Gerdes (Bass) is an instrumental performer, composer/arranger, music educator, voiceover artist, and actor who is thrilled to be playing his third show with GCPA He also performs locally with New Line Theatre, Over Due Theatre, MO Echo Brass Band, and STL Civic Orchestra Find out more about John at mrvacationmusiccom

Larry D. Pry (Keys) has been teaching voice, piano and musical theater for over 30 years He is a former member of the faculty for Webster University’s Conservatory of Theatre Arts He is a nationally recognized vocal coach, clinician, orchestrator and accompanist He was the associate music director for the world premiere of Stephen Schwart’z CHILDREN OF EDEN Larry studied piano and voice at Webster University and Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville Larry worked as the Audition Pianist and Publicity Manager for The Muny for 18 years. Internationally, he has performed with the Beach Boys and Charo, as well as served as a musical director for the Papal visit of John Paul II, in Denver, Colorado. Honored to be with GCPA!

Peter Gunn (Percussion) is a multiinstrumental percussionist This is his 12th production with GCPA. He most recently performed percussion for In The Heights with STAGES St Louis Other notable shows include: In The Heights (STAGES, R-S Theatrics, GCPA); Something Rotten!, Annie, Cabaret, Amélie, Spring Awakening, The Music Man, Crazy for You (GCPA); Always Patsy Cline (OAT); Carrie (Stages Academy, Webster PING!) He'd like to thank his family for all their support IG: @petergunnmusic

Alex Macke (Reeds) is a music teacher at Northview High School in the special school district of St. Louis County, and she often plays in musicals locally as a low reed player (saxophone/clarinet/bass clarinet/flute) She has a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education, for which she studied for five years Currently, she is living in Wentzville with her husband (Steven) and son (Warner), and is due to have her second child in April 2023 She is very excited to play her first GCPA show!

Evan Palmer (Trombone) is studying jazz music at South Illinois University Edwardsville This is his fourth show playing in the band for GCPA, previously playing in Cabaret, Annie, & Something Rotten. He has played with other companies, this past summer playing with STAGES St Louis' production of In the Heights. ,

Brandon Thompson (Reeds) is a professional musician who specializes in woodwind doubling (saxophone/clarinet/ flute) and music directing He is currently an Operations Lead for Team Nissan at Ansira Inc He has a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education from Lindenwood University where he studied for five years He now lives in Maryland Heights with his partner, Peter, and his dog, Colby. Brandon is excited to experience his first GCPA show

J.D. Tolman (Reeds) fled his home state of Utah in 1998 and made a new home in St Louis. His college sampler pack included Utah State University, SIU Edwardsville, and UMSL studying music theory and composition In addition to performing with theaters around town for the last 20 years, he has also performed professionally with Perseverance Theater and Orpheus Project Opera Company in Juneau Alaska JD also works as a woodwind repair technician. He would like to thank his husband Eric for the generous gift of patience putting up with the expense of a woodwind doubler who also dabbles in brass and virtual instruments JD has been playing with GCPA since 2015

Here you go with your first official role! With hard work and lots of passion, you can do anything. Enjoy every minute of it! Very proud of you! Con Mucho Amor, Mom & Dad

Acknowledgments

Thank you to all of our donors:

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